TRIAL WATCH - Warwick Farm on January 23

Chris Scholtz reviews the Warwick Farm trials on January 23.

WARWICK FARM January 24

Another session for some high class autumn contenders to kick start their preparations. The big names appeared in heats for Group and Listed horses over 1000m and the results were chalk and cheese.

In the first heat won by the good filly SEZANNE they jogged and clocked a pedestrian 60.6 seconds. The second was a one-horse affair with the brilliant HONESTY PREVAILS clearing out to a big lead and running 1.6 seconds faster than the first heat.

Top colt ASTERN had an easy time of it in the first heat, sitting behind the leaders and never let off the bit to finish sixth under James Doyle. He could easily have taken a hand in the finish if asked for an effort.

A little more was asked of Caulfield Guineas winner DIVINE PROPHET, who hit the line strongly for third after making the turn wide. Classy pair MAGIC HURRICANE and COUNTERATTACK both did their best work late from the back half under easy rides.

In the second heat HONESTY PREVAILS was four lengths in front after 150m and kept running to eventually win the heat by more than 10 lengths in 58.8 seconds. Nothing wanted to chase her with the stayers VELADERO and PREFERMENT running easily to the line in the minor placings.

Honesty Prevails has now won two trials since resuming and suspect she was sent out to run time to build her confidence after her lacklustre form in a handful of starts last year.

The other quality open trial over 787m featured G1 winner in waiting SPIETH, who looked in sharp form as he ran home late to finish third. He will be ready to fly first-up.

The heat was won by LUBITON leading from the start but the effort of runner-up FRAGONARD was excellent as she sat second without any pressure and could have won if asked to extend.

Classy mare DENMAGIC also took the eye working to the line under her own steam for fifth.

Other horses to follow from the Warwick Farm trials:

I THOUGHT SO: Hard held midfield to the 200m then let go with a sharp sprint to shoot clear for a big win in fast time. He’s had just one start but has won two recent trials that indicate he has plenty of ability.

AISANCE: Unraced Lonhro 2YO filly sat deep outside the leaders but kept finding the line under no pressure for a close third. Could have won if asked for an effort.

SOUFFRANT: Sebring youngster had won an early season trial and again showed promise to run home late from well off the speed for a soft fourth. Open to plenty of improvement on this effort.

TAMARACK/ISTRIA: Unraced pair raced wide but had their rivals covered as they went to the line together in good style that points to them being coming maiden winners.

THISTLEDO: Extraordinary first trial. Pulled his way up to the lead after 200m and was trucking as he made the turn six wide before sprinting to the line to win by a big space under no pressure. Looks a talent.